A Study on the Equality of Opportunity in Rules

From the Viewpoint of Physical Condition

Abstract

When considering sports the functional aspects of physical strength are often regarded as the most important. Although physical shape, including both height and weight, is a factor in sports, physical function is much more important. It is widely accepted that physical shape is inferior to function, however, this possible handicap can be offset by enhancing the physical of one's body. Yet, in some sports superiority in physical shape makes an obvious difference in the ability or success of an athlete. It is physical shape that is an important factor in enhancing functions; functions are based on physical shape. Thus it is necessary to consider the equality of physical conditions and make adjustments for such a consideration in the rules, which presently only consider weight as a factor.
The aim of this study is to introduce “height”, a factor usually ignored in the world of sports today, as a measure for equalizing the present inequalities; and to clarify whether or not it is valid to introduce a “height system” in order to make games fair.
First the history of the weight system, the only physical factor used presently in sports rules, will be examined, along with an inquiry into the ideological background of the system. From this point of view, an examination of the present needs for a height system will also be pursued.
A historical consideration of the system proves that handicaps caused by weight were already empirically understood before the weight system was introduce. The weight system was adopted at the St. Louis Olympic Games and then spread worldwide. The introduction of the weight system has been an important factor in popularizing many sports, especially ones which involve physical contact sports (kakutogi, judo, wrestling, etc.).
When the weight system was first introduced, weight was simply considered to be proportional to muscular strength. It can be inferred that weight came to be an important factor in sports where muscular strength is effective. Interestingly, the sports in which a weight system was first introduced in the St. Louis Olympic Games were all developed in the U.S. This is possibly due to the fact that Americans have a tendency to hold rationalism and equalitarianism in high esteem. Taking these factors into consideration, the conclusions are as follows: 1) Although weight difference was empirically believed to have had an influence on the games, it became overt when the relationship between weight and muscular strength was scientifically clarified. 2) Games such as kakutogi or weight lifting are individual sports and can be greatly affected by differences in muscular strength, necessitating the introduction of a weight system to guarantee fairness.
As is quite clear from the case of basketball, the effect of height in determining victory or defeat is becoming extremely important in highly specialized sport pursuits. Considering that a weight system was introduced and is still at present being used because of rationalism supported by scientific inquiry and because there was a desire to maintain equality in sports, it is likely that as the effects of height in sports become more scientifically clarified a height system to help create a level of fairness will be introduced in the near future.